Entergy's Siren Test At Indian Point Nuclear Plant Meets Federal Standards
BUCHANAN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- All but two of the 172 emergency sirens around the Indian Point nuclear power plants have sounded as expected during a test.
Entergy Nuclear, which owns the plant, says one siren in Putnam County and one in Rockland County did not go off properly Wednesday morning.
The 99 percent result meets federal standards. In a February test, the sirens were 100 percent effective.
The sirens are designed to alert residents within 10 miles when there's a serious problem at the plant. They are tested to make sure they will work when needed.
The siren system went into service in 2008, replacing a problem-plagued older system.
Meanwhile, Rep. Eliot Engel, who enjoyed his tour of Indian Point on Tuesday, says the plant should be closed.
WCBS 880's Catherine Cioffi With Rep. Eliot Engel
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"Because of the problem after September 11. We live in a different and difficult world," he says.
Engel says there are too many risks there - seismic risks, the evacuation plan, and security.
That's why he is pushing a bill that would hold old plants to the same high standards that new plants are required to meet for licensing.
"This is an antiquated old plant and I think that it should not be re-licensed," says Engel, who adds that Indian Point would never be built in Buchanan today.
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